A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Savannah vs. Columbus for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Savannah or Columbus?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Savannah or Columbus? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Savannah

Savannah is a beautiful, charming, and scenic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Columbus

Columbus is a authentic, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Savannah and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Savannah or Columbus?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Savannah than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Savannah, Savannah has more sights and attractions for tourists. Savannah is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Columbus is known for its nightlife. Savannah is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District. It is also home to Forsyth Park. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Savannah different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbus and Savannah. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Savannah or Columbus?

Savannah is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Savannah offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

Columbus offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Is the Food Better in Savannah or Columbus? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Savannah is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Savannah. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Savannah or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

Columbus is a popular place for nightlife. However, Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

Is Savannah or Columbus Better for Beaches?

Savannah is a popular place for its beaches. However, Columbus is not a beach destination.

Savannah is a good option for a beach vacation. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is Savannah or Columbus Better for its Old Town?

Savannah is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Columbus does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Savannah. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Columbus does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Savannah or Columbus?

Savannah is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Savannah. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

Columbus offers some nice shopping areas. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Is Savannah or Columbus Better for Families?

Columbus is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Columbus is a very family-friendly place to visit. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Savannah is a family-friendly city. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Is Savannah or Columbus Better for Couples?

Savannah is a very popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Savannah makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Savannah or Columbus Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Savannah is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Savannah. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Savannah or Columbus Better for Students?

Savannah is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Columbus is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Savannah. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Columbus is not popular with students.

Is Savannah or Columbus Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Savannah and Columbus offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Savannah or Columbus a more walkable city?

Savannah is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Savannah is very walkable. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Savannah Worth Visiting? and Is Columbus Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbus or Savannah?

How long in Savannah or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Savannah or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Savannah than Columbus because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Savannah, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbus.

Families should spend more time in Savannah than Columbus. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Savannah, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Savannah than Columbus. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Savannah that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Savannah than Columbus if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Savannah.

One day in Savannah or Columbus?

The city of Savannah offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The city of Columbus offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Savannah or Columbus?

Savannah is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Savannah, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Columbus is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Columbus, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Savannah or Columbus?

Savannah is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Columbus is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Savannah or Columbus?

Savannah is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Columbus is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Savannah and Columbus, we can see that Savannah is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Savannah Expensive? and Is Columbus Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Savannah or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Savannah. When comparing the sizes of Savannah and Columbus, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Savannah or Columbus?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Savannah or Columbus in the Summer?

Both Columbus and Savannah during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Savannah because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbus this time of year.

Savannah is a little warmer than Columbus in the summer. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Columbus fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Columbus, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Savannah. In the summer, Savannah often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbus. Savannah gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun.

Columbus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Savannah. Savannah usually gets more rain in July than Columbus. Savannah gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Savannah or Columbus in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Savannah and Columbus. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Savannah this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbus for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Savannah is a little warmer than Columbus. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Savannah in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Columbus averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In Savannah, it's very sunny this time of the year. Savannah usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during autumn. Savannah gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Savannah usually receives more rain than Columbus. Savannah gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Savannah or Columbus in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Savannah as well as Columbus. Many travelers come to Savannah for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Columbus in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Columbus can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Savannah is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 49°F (9°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Savannah often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Savannah gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun.

Savannah usually gets more rain in January than Columbus. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Savannah or Columbus in the Spring?

Both Columbus and Savannah are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Savannah in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Savannah is much warmer than Columbus in the spring. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 66°F (19°C) in April, and Columbus fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Savannah. Savannah usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during spring. Savannah gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Savannah usually receives less rain than Columbus. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbus and Savannah